What coil balances would replace these

Quick Learner from Hawaii
My coil balances look different, can these be replaced? If so, what should I order?
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15 Replies
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello there. I believe that pivot shoe is our 15-228 , which works with either 1/2" thick Series 160 Coil Balances, or 3/8" thick Series 165 Coil Balances. I highly advise removing the assembly and measuring the thickness of the old coil tape to confirm which of these balance Series you need. If the tape is 1/2" thick, and if the tape itself is stamped #9, then you might need the S160-9 9 pound spring; but confirm that thickness. The video below shows how to remove and replace coil balance systems. Let me know if you have further questions. 

Quick Learner from Hawaii

Is this triple or quad coil? What housing would I need?  This is the side that broken (left). Thank you!

1 user uploaded image
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Hello again. It's a bit tough to say how many coils you need per side, since they're in bad shape and tough to quantify. If you're in doubt, the best thing to do is to weigh the window sash. Tell me the exact weight, along with the coil balance thickness (1/2" or 3/8"), and we can work out exactly what you need. 

Quick Learner from Hawaii
Sash weighs 25 lbs
5 user uploaded images
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

These photos are a huge help, thanks. Looks like you're working with a triple spring support, so you have 3 on each side. That is a bit uncommon for a 25 pound sash, since that weight isn't distributed evenly.

Looking at the photos of your springs it appears that they're rated for 4.5 pounds each. Having 3 on each side, that gives you 27 pounds of total support. That exceeds your sash weight by two pounds.

Is that going to be the end of the world? Not really. You may have found in the past that your window is somewhat difficult to close. What you could do is use two 4.5 pound springs and one 3.5 pound springs on each side. That will give you 25 pounds of support exactly. The springs aren't identical, but as long as the 3.5 pound springs are in the same position on each side then I don't think that would be a problem.

Quick Learner from Hawaii
Thanks so much!
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

You're welcome! Please feel free to reach out if we can be of any further assistance.

Quick Learner from Hawaii
I reweighed the sash and it actually weighed 26.5 lbs so I went ahead and ordered six 4.5 coils. Thanks again!
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Perfect, that should work perfectly! Best of luck on the rest of this project.

Quick Learner from Hawaii
I want to replace coils on both sides of the window. Are they placed on the same side, coils facing inside of track or outside. Thank you.
Quick Learner from Hawaii
I am replacing coils on both sides of the window. Are they placed on the same side, mirroring each other? Thank you
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Yes, I generally always try to make sure the balances on each side of the window are as symmetrical as possible. It probably won't hurt if the coils are facing one direction over the other, so don't worry about it too much, but you may as well do it anyway just in case.

Quick Learner from Hawaii
Thank you so much! I just finished a window and it's like it's brand new. I ordered another set for another window. Before I saw your website, I was about to call a window repair company, but your company saved me and lots of money!
Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

That's great news! Thanks so much for the update and, of course, for the business. It means a lot.

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